President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered security agencies to immediately hunt down the perpetrators of the recent brutal attacks in Plateau State, which claimed several lives and left communities in deep mourning.
The President condemned the killings in the strongest terms, describing them as unacceptable acts of violence that should have no place in Nigeria, particularly at a time when his administration is making significant efforts to restore peace and stability across the country.
The deadly attacks occurred in several communities within Bokkos Local Government Area, including Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai, as well as Manguna and Dafo villages, where gunmen unleashed terror, resulting in the loss of lives, injuries, and the destruction of homes and properties.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 5, 2025, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu vowed that those responsible for the attacks would face the full weight of the law.
“The report of another violent attack in communities in Plateau State by mindless gunmen saddens me. The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable,” the President said.
“I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended. These intermittent attacks should have no place in our country at a time when we are working so hard to restore peace and order in all parts of our country.”
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Plateau State. He specifically commiserated with the victims’ families in Bokkos LGA and the affected villages, noting that his thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.
“This unfortunate incident will never dampen and slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian citizen. Instead, we will work harder to exterminate forces of evil wherever they are lurking in our country,” he declared.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and all those affected by this senseless violence. No community should have to endure such tragedy. We all must unite to foster peace and stability. I urge all citizens—regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations—to uphold the shared humanity that binds us all, embrace peace and reject retaliation,” he added.
President Tinubu also assured Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang of the federal government’s full support in efforts to halt the bloodshed and restore normalcy in the state. He encouraged residents of the affected communities to cooperate with security agencies by volunteering credible information that would aid in apprehending the culprits and preventing further attacks.
In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the violence, the President directed the National Emergency Management Agency to work closely with the Plateau State Government to deliver immediate relief to those wounded and displaced by the attacks.
He emphasised that affected communities would receive all necessary assistance to rebuild and recover from the destruction.
NEMA has been instructed to coordinate emergency relief operations, including the distribution of food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter to the victims, while also developing a long-term recovery plan in collaboration with state authorities.
The fresh attacks have rekindled national concern over the recurring cycle of violence in Plateau and other parts of the Middle Belt, where communities continue to grapple with security threats. President Tinubu’s directive marks a renewed commitment to ending what he termed “forces of evil” threatening national peace and unity.
